Taxi Drivers Licence
To become a driver you must:
- have held a full driving licence for at least 12 months.
- have a good knowledge of the whole of North Hertfordshire.
- have an acceptable driving history.
- have no current convictions that would deem you unsuitable to transport members of the public.
To be eligible to become a licensed driver, you must consent to an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check and be able to satisfy DVLA medical requirements. Potential drivers must also pass a knowledge test.
How to Apply
Step 1 - The Application Form
The first step in applying for a driver’s licence is to complete an application form and send it to the Council complete with your DVLA driving licence and the application fee.
The DVLA licence will be copied by Council staff and the original returned to you by recorded delivery. Alternatively, you can hand-deliver the application form and fee to the Council’s Customer Service Centre
Step 2 - Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Check
After completing the application form you will need to complete a CRB disclosure form. You will need to make an appointment to complete a form and provide original documentation proving your identity and address into the Council. An Officer will check the form and copy your documentation so that you can retain the originals. A confirmation letter will be sent to you informing of your appointment time and which documentation is required.
To book an appointment please call 01462 474000 or e-mail licensing@north-herts.gov.uk 
. Appointments can be made on every Wednesday of each month
It is important that you ensure that the form is accurately and fully completed as the CRB will reject the disclosure application if there is insufficient or inaccurate detail. In order to obtain an enhanced CRB disclosure, the applicant must be able to provide a minimum of five years continuous address history in the UK. If the applicant has not lived in the UK for a period of five years, they must obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct from their Country's Embassy. The Certificate must be supplied to the Council in a sealed envelope and must be translated into English with a signed declaration from the translator.
Please note: Changes to the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) ID verification guidelines are being introduced from 1 August 2012. You are advised to refer to the Home Office 
website for more information and advice and to understand how this will affect you. The guidelines set out the documentation required to complete the CRB application. It will also explain the process North Herts District Council will follow in order to verify an application.
You will be asked to pay the CRB disclosure fee, which is non-refundable if you subsequently withdraw your application or if it is refused. Cheques should be made payable to North Hertfordshire District Council.
Step 3 - Medical Forms
The medical assessment form used by North Hertfordshire District Council is the standard DVLA D4 Medical Form. This form is available at the following link:
Form: http://www.dvla.gov.uk/dvla/forms/~/media/pdf/forms/D4.ashx
Information Booklet: http://www.dvla.gov.uk/dvla/~/media/pdf/leaflets/INF4D.ashx
You should arrange an appointment with your GP, or a registered medical practitioner, who will complete the form and return it to you. The completed form should be sent to the Council.
Step 4 - The Knowledge Test
All drivers, whether hackney carriage or private hire, will have to pass a verbal knowledge test. The test consists of 15 questions covering customer care, highway code, Council Policy and basic numeracy. 12 correct answers are required for a pass.
Three attempts are permitted at a verbal test after which six-months must pass before any further attempts are permitted. Verbal tests can be taken by prior appointment on a Wednesday of each month.
Hackney carriage drivers also have to pass a written knowledge test that consists of thirty questions covering shortest routes (Zone and District), places of interest, highway code and Council Policy. The geographical questions relate to the specific zone in which the driver intends to operate: Baldock, Hitchin, Knebworth, Letchworth or Royston and the District of North Herts. There is a non refundable charge for each attempt of this test.
Three attempts are permitted at a written test after which six-months must pass before any further attempts are permitted. Written tests can be taken by prior appointment on a Wednesday of each month.
Please note that from 1 October 2011 the Hackney Carriage Written Knowledge Test will be done electronically.
Hackney Carriage Written Knowledge Test information sheet (15.5KB) 
To book an appointment for either a verbal or written knowledge test, please call 01462 474000 or e-mail licensing@north-herts.gov.uk . Payment can be made by debit or credit card over the telephone. The appointment can not be confirmed until payment has been provided. Reasonable notice must be provided if a test needs to be rearranged or cancelled, otherwise the full charge will be retained. Notice must be received by the end of the Friday before the test date to allow time for another driver to use the time slot.
Step 5 - The Licence
If everything is satisfactory a licence will be granted to you for an initial period of 6 months, during which you must successfully complete a Driving Standards Agency (DSA) Assessment. Further details about the test and how to apply can be found on the Business Link website.
Alternatively you may wish to view the DSA Booklet (477.17KB)
Once a DSA Assessment has been obtained, a further 6 months licence will be granted, thereafter licences can be granted for 1, 2 or 3 years at the driver’s request. If you have any criminal convictions or driving endorsements your application may be referred to the Head of Housing and Environmental Health for his/her determination. This may involve attending an interview at the Council Offices. If your application is refused, you have a right of appeal to the local Magistrates Court; further details can be obtained from the Court Clerk’s Office.
Information about renewing your licence can be found on the renewing your licence web page. If you require a replacement licence as your badge or plate has been damaged, information can be found on the replacing your licence web page.
Step 6 - Collecting your Taxi Driver Badge
Once you have completed all of these stages you will be issued with a photographic id badge, which must be worn at all times whilst driving a licensed vehicle, and a paper licence which must be retained for its duration. Your licences can either be collected from the Council Offices or despatched by post.
A separate procedure deals with licensing the vehicle itself. Details can be found on the taxi vehicle licence page.
If you would like some useful information about taxi driver safety, details can be found on the safety advice for taxi drivers page.
If you have any questions, please contact Licensing & Enforcement via e-mail at licensing@north-herts.gov.uk or on 01462 474000.
